Endurance Test: Ford C-Max Takes On Chevy Volt

Written by: Anton Wahlman01/15/13 - 6:00 AM EST

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A loaded Ford C-Max Energi is around $36,000, but you might be
eligible for a $3,750 Federal tax credit and $1,500 tax rebate in
California. In contrast, a loaded Chevy Volt is around $44,000, but
you might be eligible for a $7,500 Federal tax credit and the same
$1,500 California tax rebate.

The net price difference may be $4,000 on paper, but with the Volt
often offering $2,000 or more on discounts, the real-world pricing
difference is minimal -- at least as long as the Ford isn't discounted.

Considering the Volt offers a battery that is more than twice the
size and capacity of the Ford, and that the electric motor is beefier,
you are simply getting more powertrain for your money in the Volt.

So why would you want to buy the Ford over the Volt? It's simple: The
car has more passenger space. If you need to fit five people instead of
four, you must pick the Ford. Also, if you are a very tall/large person,
or perhaps elderly and are having difficulty getting in and out of
low-slung sports cars such as the Volt, the Ford C-Max makes for a
very comfortable alternative.

These are both great cars. The Ford needs some more polish in terms
of its software and powertrain architecture. The Chevrolet needs to
be offered in more minivan or SUV body styles. In both cases, these
cars perform the 500+ mile-per-day test at 75 MPH with almost flawless
grades.